Log debarker feed apparatus



8- E. DEHAU, JR r 3,100,514

LOG DEBARKER FEED APPARATUS Filed Jan. 24, 1961 s Sheets-Sheet 1 Edward Dec/mu, Jr:

, INVENTOR.

/ 9 Q 19 BY 2L 'wl; WWW Em Aug. 13, 1 963 E. DECHAU, JR 3,100,514

LOG DEBARKER FEED APPARATUS Fi led Jan. 24, 1961 5 Sheets-Sheet 2:

Fig.2

f Edward Dec/mu Jr. Q E INVIENTOR.

Aug. 13, 1963 E. DEcHAu, JR 3, 1

LOG DEBARKER FEED APPARATUS Filed Jan. 24, 1961 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 Edward Dachau, Jr:

INVENTOR.

WWW

United States Patent 3,100,514 LOG DEBARKER FEED APPARATUS Edward Dechau, .ln, Wayneshoro, Ga. (Box 1432, Mid'ville, Ga.) Filed Jan. 24, 1961, Ser. No. 84,540 It} Claims. ((31. 144-263) This invention relates to machines for receiving, feeding debarking and delivering debarked logs in the lumber industry.

It is therefore a primary object of this invention to provide a machine which will debark logs of different sizes and cross-sectional contours by mechanism operating in a more eflicient and smoothly functioning manner so as to more uniformly strip the bark from the logs and continuously operate without breakdown and require less adjustment and repair despite the non-uniform dimensional variation of the logs accommodated.

Another object of this invention is to provide a log debarking machine which is characterized by a construction which is more economical as far as manufacture is concerned as well as for repair, operation and maintenance.

A still further object of this invention is to provide a log debarking machine in which the debarking pressure of the rossing bark strippers are variable for accommodating different bark removal requirements and wherein the bark is stripped by rossing arms to which the debarking pressure is equally distributed regardless of the cross-sectional shape of the logs.

An additional object of this invention is to provide a log debarking machine which features a novel feeding apparatus for propelling and guiding the logs both to and from the debarking head of the machine. The infeed portion of the feeding apparatus additionally features a novel drive arrangement cooperating with the novel feeding arrangement to loosen the bark prior to the debarking operation by the rossing arm of the debarker head. Accordingly, feeding of the logs to the debarker head is accomplished simultaneously with the bark loosening function without any additional and complex mechanism and structure. Delivery of the debarked logs is however accomplished with uniform drive.

These together with other objects and advantages which will become subsequently apparent reside in the details of construction and operation as more fully hereinafter described and claimed, reference being had to the accompanying drawings forming a part hereof, wherein like numerals refer to like parts throughout, and in which:

FIGURE 1 is a top plan view of the debar king machine made in accordance with this invention.

FIGURE 2 is a side elevational view of the debarking machine illustrated in FIGURE 1.

FIGURE 3 is a sectional .view taken substantially through the plane indicated by section line 3-3 of FIG- URE 2.

FIGURE 4 is a sectional view taken substantially through a plane indicated by section line 4-4 in FIG- URE 3. p I

FIGURE 5 is a sectional view taken through a plane indicated by section line 5-5 in FIGURE 1.

FIGURE 6 is a perspective view of a rossing arm.

Referring now to the drawings in detail, FIGURES 1 and 2 illustrate the complete debarking machine which is generally referred to by reference numeral 10. It will be observed from FIGURES l and 2, that the machine 10 includes a longitudinal frame assembly generally referred to by reference numeral 12 which mounts centrally thereof the debarker mechanism generally referred to by reference numeral 14. An infeed mechanism generally referred to by reference numeral 16 is mounted by the 3,109,514 Patented Aug. 13, 1963 frame 12 on one side of the centrally disposed debarker mechanism while an outfeed mechanism 18 is disposed on the other side thereof. Drive motors 20 and 22 are respectively drivingly connected to the infeed mechanism 16 and out-feed mechanism 18 so as to feed a log 24 shown resting on the infeed mechanism, toward the debarker mechanism 14 so that the debarked log leaving the debarker mechanism 14 may be delivered by the :outfeed mechanism 18. It will be observed therefore that the major portion of the log 24 as illustrated in FIGURES 1 and 2 has its bark r26 thereon as it is being fed toward the debarker mechanism, while the debarked portion 28 thereof projects rearwardly from the debarker mechanism 14- to be subsequently received on the outfeed mechanism 18. The log 24 accordingly is moved by the infeed mechanism 16 in the direction indicated by arrow 3t} in FIGURE 1.

The infeed mechanism 16 includes a plurality of parallel drive shafts 32, 34, 36 and 38 which are rotatably mounted by the frame 12 by suitable journal blocks 40 mounted thereon, said drive shafts being disposed transversely of the frame 12 with respect to a longitudinal axis therethrough and at an angle thereto. Secured to the drive shafts, are beveled feed gears 42, 444, '46 and 48 with the beveled feed gears 42 and 46 connected to the alternate drive shafts 32 and 36 and disposed on one side of the longitudinal axis of the frame 12 and hence engageable With one side of the log 24, while the feed gears 44 and 48 secured to the other drive shafts 34 and 38 are disposed on the other side of the frame and log for engagement with the logs. The bevel gears secured to the alternate shafts are also arranged with the bevels thereof directed inwardly toward the longitudinal axis so that as the gears are rotated in the same direction, engagement of the log 24 will cause the log to be rotatively propelled forwardly as indicated by arrows 30 and also positively urge it toward the longitudinal center of the frame so as to maintain the log centered. The arrangement described with respect to the infeed mechanism 16 is the same as the arrangement of the feed apparatus of the outfeed mechanism 13. The outfeed mechanism accordingly also includes a plurality of parallel and identical drive shafts 5t} with oppositely directed beveled feed gears 52 and 54 secured to alternate drive shafts 50 for the purpose of engaging and propelling a log as well as centering thereof as described with respect to the infeed mechanism 16. It will be further understood, that the number of drive shafts with their feed gears and the specific angular disposition ofthe parallel drive shafts will depend upon the requirements of the particular installation. Accordingly, there is no definite restriction as to number and angular disposition.

It will he apparent from the foregoing the feed mechanisms 16 and 18, that the drive shafts thereof must he driven in the same direction in order to propel the log thereover. Accordingly, the drive motor 219 is connected to one of. the drive shafts 34 of the infeed mechanism while the drive motor 2 2 is connected to one of the drive shafts '50 of the outfeed mechanism. The drive shafts are therefore. drivingly interconnected with each other for simultaneous rotation thereof in the same direction. Chain and sprocket drive mechanisms are accordingly provided for drivingly interconnecting each of the drive shafts within the respective infeed and outfeed mechanisms. It will be observed therefore that each of the drive shafts 54 of the outfeed mechanism '18 are provided with sprocket gears 56 in side-by-side alignment with each other on the drive shaft axes so that they may be drivingly interconnected by endless drive chains 58. The intermediate drive shafts 54 are accordingly provided with two drive sprockets 56 while only one drive sprocket is required for the outer drive shafts 50 It description of will be further observed that the size of the drive sprockets 56 of the outfeed mechanism drive shafts 5d are equal insize so thateach of the drive shafts 50 are driven by the drive motor 22 at the same rate of speed. However, the drive sprocket arrangement of the infeed mechanism '16 differs from that of the outfeed mechanism in that the drive sprocket gears are of unequal size. It will be observed therefore from FIGURES 1 and 5 in particular, that the drive sprocket gear 60 which is connected to the drive shaft 32 is a smaller drive gear as compared to the larger drive sprocket gear 62 which is connected to the drive shaft 34 driven byvthe motor 28. The drive chain belt 64 will accordingly impart rotation to the drive shaft 32 at a fast rate of speed compared to that of the slower rate of speed with which the drive shaft 34 is driven. The drive sprockets 66 and 68 of equal size drivinrgly interconnected by the drive chain '70 and causes the drive shaft 36 to be driven at the same slow rate of speed as that of the drive shaft 34. However, the large drive sprocket wheel 72 fixed to the drive shaft 36 is drivingly interconnected by the belt 74 to a smaller drive sprocket'76 on the drive shaft 38 so that the drive shaft 38 is driven at a faster rate of speed as compared I tothe slower driven drive shafts 34 and 36. The drive shaft 38 will preferably be driven at the same faster rate of speed as that of the drive shaft 32. -It will be apparent therefore, that the feed gears of the infeed mechanism 16 will propel the log 24 at different rates causing relative displacement of the engaging surface of the log by virtue thereof which will thereby loosen the bark 26. The feed gears 52 of the outfeed mechanism, however, being driven at the same rate of speed will uniformly propel the debarked log for deliverypurposes.

' the debarker head frame 78 are a plurality of Iossing arms 82 which are evenly spaced with respect to the log 24- passing through the debarking mechanism 14 as more clearly seen in FIGURE 3. Although four rossin-g arms 82 are illustrated in FIGURE 3, it will be understood that any number may be provided pursuant to the principles of this invention; Each of the rossing arms as more clearly seen in FIGURE 6 includes a pivot end 84 by means of which the arm is pivotally mounted on the head frame assembly 78. The other end of the arm 82 includes an inwardly directed bark stripping portion 86.

' Mounted on one longitudinal side of the arm.82 is a rib 88, one end 90 of which is enlarged to rotatably mount a double groove cable pulley 92 which is disposed adjacent to the log stripping end of the rossing arm for purposes as will hereafter be explained.

It will be observed from FIGURE 3 that each of the rossing arms 82 are pivotally mounted on rod members 94 projecting forwardly from the head frame assembly 78 and held assembled thereon by cotter pins 96. The rossing arms 82 are accordingly pivotally displaceable inwardly or outwardly for engaging and thereby stripping the bark-from logs of different cross sectional dimensions and shapes.

In order to apply both a variable but yet an equally distributed debarking pressure to each of the rossing arms 82, there is provided a cable 98 which is entrained about each of the pulleys, 92 on each of the rossing arms 82 7 of lower idler pulleys 100 and 102 rotatably mounted on nected to the support rods 112 of a pair of weight units 114 loaded for applying a predetermined tensioning force to the cable 8 for the purpose of applying thereby a predetermined pressure to each of the rossing arms 82 which pressure will be equally distributed by virtue of the entrained cable arrangement. The tensioning Weight applied to the ends 108 and of the cable 98 will depend therefore upon the size of the logs being debarked.

From the foregoing description operation and utility of the deb-arking machine: made in accordance with this invention will be apparent. It will therefore be appreciated that the present machine by virtue of the central disposition of the novel debarking mechanism and the bark loosening function of the novel infeed portion of the feeding mechanism'will efficiently debark logs in a uniform manner despite the cross-sectional irregularity thereof and .will also accommodate logs of different sizes. Also, the operations accomplished by the present machine do not require the more complex arrangements and mechanisms as heretofore thought necessary. It will be further apparent that the debarking mechanism described as mounted stationary on the machine frame for debarking logs rotated relative thereto, may also be rotatably mounted for rotation relative to the logs for debarking purposes.

The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention as claimed.

What is claimed as new is as follows:

1. A log debarking machine comprising frame means, rossing means operatively mounted upon the frame means centrally thereof for engagement with a log at circumferentially spaced locations thereabout to remove bark therefrom as the log passes therethrough, infeed means and outfeed means mounted on the frame means forwardly of and rearwardly of the rossing means respectively for engaging, guiding and propelling logs forwardly to and from the rossing means in response to drive of the infeed and outfeed means, and drive means drivingly connected to the infeed and outfeed means and operatively for engaging, guiding and propelling logs forwardly to and from the rossing means in respon-se to driveof the infeed and outfeed means, and separate drive means drivingly connected to the infeed and outfeed means and operative to variably drive the infeed means to thereby lloosen bark from logs passed therethrough toward the rossing means and uniformly drive the outfeed means for delivery of debarked logs, said infeed means and outfeed means'including a plurality of parallel drive shafts rotatably mounted by the frame means along axes disposed transversely to and at an angle to a longitudinal axis through the frame means, at least'one feed gear mounted on each of said shafts on one side of the longitudinal axis,

feed gears on adjacent shafts being disposed on opposite sides of the longitudinal axis, said feed gears being beveled and sloping toward the longitudinal axis.

3. A log debarking machine comprising frame means, rossing means operatively mounted upon the frame means centrally thereof for engagement with a log at circumferentially spaced locations thereabout to remove barl; therefrom as the log passes therethrough, infeed means and outfeed means mounted on the frame means forwardly of and rearwardly of the rossing means respectively for engaging, guiding and propelling logs forwardly to and from the rossing means in response to drive of the infeed and outfeed means, and separate drive means drivingly connected to the infeed and outfeed means and operative to variably drive the infeed means to thereby loosen bark from logs fed therethrough toward the rossing means and uniformly drive the outfeed means for delivery of debarked logs, said infeed means and outfeed means including a plurality of parallel drive shafts rotatably mounted by the frame means along axes disposed transversely to an angle to a longitudinal axis through the frame means, at least one feed gear mounted on each of said shafts on one side of the longitudinal axis, feed gears on adjacent shafts being disposed on opposite sides of the longitudinal axis, said feed gears being beveled and sloping toward the longitudinal axis, said drive means including unequal sized gear means drivingly interconnesting the drive shafts of the infeed means to alternately drive adjacent pairs of said drive shafts at the same fast and slew rates of speeds in the same direction for bark loosening purposes and simultaneously center and propel the rods, an equal-sized gear means drivingly interconnecting the drive shafts of the outfeed means for centering and uniformly propelling debarked logs.

4. The combination of claim 3, wherein said rossing means includes a debarker head frame, rossing arms pivotally mounted on said debarker head frame and pivotally displaceable for accommodating logs of different sizes, and variable pressure distribution means operatively interconnecting the rossing arms for equally distributing a pressure thereto for debarking engagement with logs.

5. The combination of claim 4, wherein said variable pressure distribution means comprises pulley means rotatably'mounted on each rossing arm adjacent to a bark stripping end thereof, cable means entrained about said pulley means and adjustable tensioning means operatively connected to the cable means for applying a predetermined equally distributed pressure to the pulley means while accommodating displacement of the pulley means by the rossing arms.

6. The combination of claim 1, wherein said rossing means includes a debarker head frame mounted upon said frame means between said infeed means and said outfeed means, rossing arms pivotally mounted on said debarker head frame and pivotally displaceable towards and from each other for accommodating between themselves logs of different sizes, and variable pressure distribution means operatively interconnecting the rossing arms for equally distributing a pressure thereto for debarking engagement with logs.

7. The combination of claim 6, wherein said variable pressure distribution means comprises a pulley means rotatably mounted on each rossing arm adjacent to a bark stripping end thereof, cable means entrained about said pulley means and adjustable tensioning means operatively connected to the cable means for applying a predetermined equally distributed pressure to the pulley means while accommodating displacement of the pulley means by the rossing arms.

8. A feeding apparatus for log debarking machines comprising frame means, a plurality of parallel drive shafts rotatabiy mounted upon the frame means along fixed axes extending transversely across and at an angle to the longitudinal axis through the frame means, at least one feed gear mounted on each of said shafts on one side of the longitudinal axis, feed gears on adjacent shafts being disposed on opposite sides of the longitudinal axis, said feed gears being beveled end sloping toward the longitudinal axis.

9. The combination of claim 8 including drive means drivingly connected to the drive shafts for rotation thereof in the same direction and at different speeds for bark =loosening purposes.

10. The combination of claim 9, wherein said drive means includes unequal-sized gear means drivingly interconnecting the drive shafts to alternately drive adjacent pairs of said drive shafts at fast and slow rates of speed.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 987,828 'Schenck Mar. 28, 1911 1,294,275 Johnson et al Feb. 11, 1919 1,465,621 Berthiaume et a1 Aug. 21, 1923 2,379,581 Knight July 3, 1945 2,608,224 Eklund et al. Aug. 26, 1952 2,641,289 Merrifield July 9, 1953 2,765,011 Jacks-on Oct. 2, 1956 2,795,320 Dillingham June 11, 1957 2,821,220 Nicholson Ian. 28,1958 2,843,168 Lunn July 15, 1958 2,904,085 Wennberg Sept. 15, 1959 2,908,302 Mullis Oct. 13, 1959 2,918,952 Seanle Dec. 29, 1959 2,925,107 lFitZV/BIBI Feb. 16, 1960 3,013,593 McDonald Dec. 19, 1961 FOREIGN PATENTS 85,963 Sweden Mar. 31, 1936 117,415 Sweden Oct. 15, 1946 208,575 Austria Apr. 11, 1960 

1. A LOG DEBARKING MACHINE COMPRISING FRAME MEANS, ROSSING MEANS OPERATIVELY MOUNTED UPON THE FRAME MEANS CENTRALLY THEREOF FOR ENGAGEMENT WITH A LOG AT CIRCUMFERENTIALLY SPACED LOCATIONS THEREABOUT TO REMOVE BARK THEREFROM AS THE LOG PASSES THERETHROUGH, INFEED MEANS AND OUTFEED MEANS MOUNTED ON THE FRAME MEANS FORWARDLY OF AND REARWARDLY OF THE ROSSING MEANS RESPECTIVELY FOR ENGAGING, GUIDING AND PROPELLING LOGS FORWARDLY TO AND FROM THE ROSSING MEANS IN RESPONSE TO DRIVE OF THE INFEED AND OUTFEED MEANS, AND DRIVE MEANS DRIVINGLY CONNECTED TO THE INFEED AND OUTFEED MEANS AND OPERATIVE TO DRIVE PORTIONS OF THE INFEED MEANS AT DIFFERENT SPEEDS SIMULTANEOUSLY TO THEREBY LOOSEN BARK FROM LOGS FED THERETHROUGH TOWARD THE ROSSING MEANS AND UNIFORMLY DRIVE THE OUTFEED MEANS FOR DELIVERY OF DEBARKED LOGS. 